Alex & Friends Release Second Album: "Some Winter Tales"

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179942

After the angry 'One Thing Left" published in 2012, Alex & Friends are back with the quieter yet infectuous 'Some Winter Tales' and the timing - with Christmas coming to town - couldn't be more spot on.

The combo here is at its best. Pierre Alexander's disenchanted songs are brought into life by an intricate combination of 70's like ambiant rock and more pop-oriented tunes. The beautiful piano-driven ballad 'Glamorous Glow' is a perfect introduction to Alex & Friends' classy approach to pop music, while 'Losing Ground' and 'Speed Limit' remind the listener of how good this band is at wrapping up catchy nasty singles.

As for the majestic 'Christmas Day' with its epic ending, a hundred listens might not be enough to capture its dark and poisonous beauty.

A very special Christmas present for a decidedly very special band.

The Inspiration Behind The Versions Of "Santa Baby" Remakes... Hint, Never Marilyn Monroe!

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=180106

Sultry Jazz Pop singer, actress, Nobel Nominated Cynthia Basinet whose iconic version of "Santa Baby", that has often been mistaken for Marilyn Monroe; although Marilyn never sang the song, has been the inspiration behind the versions of "Santa Baby" recorded to date since 2000, whether well-known or not.

Cynthia's one off of Eartha Kitt's renowned Holiday Tune is a true homage to the famous Cat Woman herself also a lyrical gift to a very special person in Cynthia's life: "I recorded Santa Baby as a gift for a very special person in my life, Jack Nicholson. Have always loved that song, as so many do, thanks to Eartha.' She recorded it and another, "Someone To Watch Over” Me, as gifts that went on a Christmas card CD. That was 1997. She then launched Santa Baby via the Internet and it went viral in 2000. This version, perhaps because it was sung from the heart, has oft credited to Marilyn Monroe. (Well, that and illegal file sharing. ;-).) Ironically, this version has become the standard for today's artists from pop to R&B to country, worldwide.

Watch the OFFICIAL Music Video:
http://vevo.ly/O9nQbl

A bit more on the leggy, statuesque, strawberry blonde who has been seen in over 200 commercials and films, on magazine covers and whose image has been retributed: The quirky natural beauty with sparkling versatility as an entertainer, Cynthia Basinet was born in Van Nuys (Los Angeles), California. A single mom she is a resilient star, a rare inspirational gem of entertainment, combining her experience as an actress, a sought after American fashion model in Europe during the rise of the supermodel, as well as being recognized as a remarkable humanitarian¸ She was nominated in 2005 for a shared Nobel and has addressed the UN on numerous occasion of issues facing the Saharwian peoples living in self-determination. Her quote "Displaced societies are of value. Their issues are our issues." has become an anthem worldwide for the UN and refugees.

With crowning distinctions as a classically trained vocalist and musician (she learnt opera, the saxophone and flute as a child), Cynthia is one of the best jazz singers in the world today and is capable of conjuring up Hollywood's golden era of glamour from American history with her critically acclaimed performances and sultry jazz recordings. The artist has 10 releases from pop to electronic but it's her exquisite, speak-easy singing style smouldering with elegant mastery has ensconced Basinet as a cultural living treasure of the American jazz canon comparing her to the likes of Ella, Frank, Billie and others.

Her songs have been heard in soundtracks as varied indie cult film, "Party Monster" and the very popular CBS show "NCIS Los Angeles".

Cynthia's limited releases including her latest, "The Christmas Song" with Lee Musiker from "The Standard" on @iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/cynthia-basinet/id193221514

Follow Cynthia on social media @cynthiabasinet, Google+ and more

MusicDish*China Top 10 Songs Gives Insight Into Chinese Online Fans

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179758

In 2014, MusicDish*China (独立小炒) featured over 150 songs from Western indie musicians to Chinese music platform Ximalaya since July as part of its Song Blast promotional service. Covering genres from pop, R&B, jazz, electronic and rock, many songs have generated thousands of plays on the Chinese platform, with the most listened surpassing 30,000. So what appeals to Chinese online listeners?
 
Pop and EDM Find Favor With Chinese Online Fans
We listed our top ten most played songs on Ximalaya below. Without a doubt, one thing they share in common is that all ten of them are enjoyable to the ears --- Chinese ears to be precise. One of the trends we have discovered is that Chinese indie listeners on Ximalaya buy more into pop and electronic music, with pop being most popular. Another pattern that drew our attention is that all of our top fours have frighteningly beautiful, melodic, yet powerful female vocals. We hope our top ten songs can give a glimpse into the style of Western acts appealing to online Chinese fans this year. So here we go:
 
1. "Close Your Eyes" by Roxanna
Plays: 31,427
Genre: pop, jazz
Canadian music sensation Roxanna was born in wartime Iran. Her music always has an amazing power to heal broken hearts and inspire lost souls. Resounding melody, emotional lyrics, powerful voice, and a strong accompaniment of string orchestration all together make it the most touching song. This is why Close Your Eyes managed to touch our hearts and became our top one in the list of most played songs in 2014.

2. "Run" by Marina V
Plays: 19,175
Genre: pop
Marina V has this "hauntingly beautiful voice" (LA Times) that could intoxicate us. Run is a melodic and emotional pop song that would catch your ears very easily, and probably would linger in your head for days to come. As the songwriter and producer for her own music, Marina V always integrates her childhood experiences in Russia and teenage life in America into her songs. This song won her LA Music Critic Award in 2013.

3. "Falling 4 U" by Devyn Rose
Plays: 12,673
Genre: R&B, electronic
Talented musician Devyn Rose has been producing R&B, hip-pop and remixing tapes with her unique style that combines different music genres together. This Falling 4 U is sexy, edgy, yet hits you with an attitude. Beautiful and clean melody with a strong beat-driven rhythm all together make this song a number three on our most played songs list in 2014.

4. "Tomorrow" by We Are Catalyst
Plays: 10,716
Genre: rock, electronic
Heavy metal, alternative rock and electronic, "Tomorrow" is like a standard millennial type of thing. Leading vocal has a pure and simple female voice, which adds a sense of innocence to this dark, hopeless world that was created in the song.

5. "Stuck in My Head" by Sam Ebako
Plays: 10,080
Genre: EDM
After four stunning, female voices taking over the top four spots in our chart, finally we are here with some strong, male vocal expression. Sam Ebako is a Cameroon-born singer and songwriter. Stuck in My Head actually came out after his horrible breakup with his ex-girlfriend. The sad and grieved lyrics make a sharp contrast with the strong beats and hasty rhythm; and the electronic effects added to the vocal make this song very trendy and clubby.

6. "Boom" by Lina Fouro(L4O) 
Plays: 9,215
Genre: pop, electronic
L4o has always been popular among teenage girls. Her music is popping, chic and very straightforward. Catchy melodies with candid lyrics, Boom allows us to hear this simple, and maybe a little bit shy teenage girl expressing her love for her high school crush. The electronic effects and sexy vocal voice save this song from being plain, boring and too sweet.

7. "Somewhere" by Hashback Harnish
Plays: 7,343
Genre: electronic, experimental
Smoky, mysterious, and edgy. Hashback Harnish makes us enter this post-midnight world that only exists in our deep imaginations…

8. "Toxic Kisses" by SweetTooth
Plays: 6,603
Genre: rock/heavy metal
Heavy metal and electronic usually do not go along, yet Sweet Tooth surprises us by making these two comfortably compatible with each other. Toxic Kisses creates this dashingly frantic sense that would give you goose bumps from the first note.

9. "Sing Along, Sing Along" by Cookie Robinowitz
Plays: 5,803
Genre: pop
Cookie Robinowitz has successfully made this song pop-y and captivating that this song is simply enjoyable. The melody is so catchy that you would probably be singing along together right after verse one, just as the title has suggested.

10. "With You" by FM Pilots
Plays: 5,453
Genre: pop-alternative
FM Pilots is a pop-alternative band from Oklahoma. This song With You is frank, simple and clean-cut. The lead vocal has a very attractive voice, and the melody is well written and catchy. All of these make this song enjoyable and fun to listen.

MusicDish*China Song Blast
Since July 2014, MusicDish*China Song Blast service has been promoting Western acts on its branded channels on Chinese streaming platforms such as Ximalaya, Lizhi.fm and YuYin.fm as well as Chinese social sites such as Weibo, Douban, Huaban and Diandian
http://www.musicdish.com/china/music/singlepromo.php3

What Is Ximalaya?
As one of the major music platform in China, Ximalaya (ximalaya.com) is an online podcast platform and music player with mostly user-generated content. According to BaiduApp (a Chinese digital distribution platform for mobile apps, like GooglePlay and Android Market), more than 14 million people have downloaded Ximalaya app to their mobile devices since its launch in 2012.

Premortal Breath -THEY....are Coming To Get You!!!

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=180044

Straight in the face of society!

True believers know it well:
So many fine pronouncements.
So rarely fine deeds.
Mankind truly seems lost on morally levels.

PREMORTAL BREATH don't want to be a part of these shameful emotional decay.

The special HEAVY METAL output of these wholeheartedly condemning accusers from Germany should concern!

Their debut album "They" isn't made for simple minds.

Ogre Guitar Pedals Featured at West Coast Customs HQ

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179892

Ogre Pedals Featured in the Sam Ash Studios at new West Coast Customs Headquarters located in Burbank, California.

OGRE makes the craziest, innovative and artistic product designs combined with functionality and sonic tones desired by all musicians. The Ogre Pedals found the prefect home in the cutting edge facilities at West Coast Customs.

https://www.facebook.com/OgrePedalsU.S.A

Sam Ash Studios located in the NEW WCC Headquarters is latest addition to the legendary music stores ongoing legacy to provide the latest and greatest selection of music instruments, recording gear, microphones , etc

http://samashmusic.com/store-locations/

EVENTIDE UPDATES TIMEFACTOR WITH NEW LOOPER

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179919

Today, Eventide announced the immediate availability of v5.0, a free software download for TimeFactor users. The new software will be shipping in TimeFactor shipments from Eventide starting in January. The new software features s a new looper with a host of advanced features and adds full compatibility with the H9 Control app via USB. This new TimeFactor update is free and can be downloaded using the H9 Control app.

Here is a how-to video: http://bit.ly/TimeFactorLooperUpdate

Looper advanced features:
¬ Reverse play and record with immediate reverse playback
¬ Seamless Varispeed overdubbing and loop playback over a full range of speeds from 200x to pause to reverse 200x
¬ Real-time, non-destructive, loop head and tail trimming
¬ Auto beat-quantization of footswitch actions in Tempo Mode.
¬ Tempo Mode maintains real time intelligent beat sync even with speed changes or trimmed loop
¬ MIDI clock sync to your drum machine or sequencer for locking your loop to the beat without drift

Now, the H9 Control app provides editor librarian functionality for all Eventide stompboxes for easy preset editing, management and creation of Preset Lists. H9 Control delivers new capabilities such as a Universal Save feature for synchronizing changes to user presets that exist in multiple Preset Lists for any Eventide stompbox.

Free download here: http://bit.ly/H9ControlUpdate

About Eventide
Eventide was founded in 1971 in New York City. Eventide is a leading developer and manufacturer of digital audio processing products for recording, broadcast, and live performance. Headquartered in Little Ferry, NJ, Eventide invented the H910, the first Harmonizer effects processor in 1975, followed in 1977 by the H949, the first de-glitched Harmonizer with additional delay. Visit Eventide online at eventide.com.

Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Eventide and Harmonizer are registered trademarks of Eventide Inc. ©2014 Eventide Inc.

GoGo Tuners Featured at West Coast Customs HQ

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179891

GoGo Tuners Featured in the Sam Ash Studios at new West Coast Customs Headquarters located in Burbank, California.

Known for their precision,large screens and unique colors, The GoGo Pedals tuners are perfect fit for the cutting edge facilities at West Coast Customs.

https://www.facebook.com/GoGoTuners

Sam Ash Studios located in the NEW WCC Headquarters is latest addition to the legendary music stores ongoing legacy to provide the latest and greatest selection of music instruments, recording gear, microphones , etc

http://samashmusic.com/store-locations/

The New Black 7 Release "God Willin' And The Creek Don't Rise" EP

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179859

NB7 Also become the First Monster Energy Endorsed Country Act as well as a Feature Band in One of the Country's Largest New Years Eve Television Broadcasts

(Cedar Rapids, IA – December 9, 2014) – The New Black 7, fresh off their Fall 2014 Tour, are saving the best of 2014 for last as well as kicking off 2015 in a big way. Today, the band announces the release of their latest EP, "God Willin' And The Creek Don't Rise" (Route 3 Records/Carson Entertainment) and after a full summer of recording, the end-result comes at a time when Country Music is finding its roots. The album is truly a unique brand of country rock that is both melodically and lyrically irresistible while maintaining a high level of musicianship and soloing worthy of any classic rock album of yore. Book ended by the conceptual intro/outro of the title track, the first single "Fine Wine" melds country's flair for danceable rhythms with relatable storytelling.

Born out of respected rock journeymen and heralded session players, The New Black 7 was founded by lead vocalist/guitarist Tory Stoffregen and guitarist Jason K. Herman who were soon joined by drummer Brentt James Acrement and rounded out by bassist Dan Dryden. Their direction grew out of an organic love of country music's gloried past along with their admiration of current country crossovers like Blackberry Smoke and Eric Church. "God Willin' And The Creek Don't Rise" is a follow-up to 2012's "Heartbreaks And Hangovers", yielding the single "Crazy All Over Me", which garnered substantial radio and video play.

"God Willin'" was recorded at Shell Rock, Iowa's Chandler Limited Studios, in which the band utilized former Abbey Road studio gear to help give their sound a rich, beefy, vintage meets modern production. Co-produced with Wade Goeke, the band was able to blend hard-hitting country killers with a bit of somber moments while retaining continuity throughout the recording. Their blood line of rock and roll came into full effect with many of the tracks retaining a classic rock vibe throughout, yet "God Willin'" is knee deep in Southern blues, Midwest electric swing and stone cold Country twang all held together with Stoffregen's distilled voice and stout harmonies. "We're ecstatic about the future," states Stoffregen. "With every show, every relationship we build with fans and those in the industry and every recording – things are falling into place in the right way, at the right time for us."

In addition, the band has landed an endorsement agreement with Monster Energy, the world's leading energy drink and lifestyle brand, that makes The New Black 7 the FIRST country act brought on board by Monster Energy - as the brand looks to expand its reach into popular music including rock, hip-hop, electronic, comedy and country. This deal will further help the band establish itself and win the attention of new fans while allowing Monster Energy to reach a substantial demographic for their product and lifestyle features.

With "God Willin' And The Creek Don't Rise" coming out prior to the new year The New Black 7 is fittingly starting off 2015 with a bang and in a huge number of households. The band was chosen to take part in Big D NYE celebration for Dallas, TX based WFAA-TV (ABC Affiliate) performing two tracks in-studio to be aired during the broadcast that will hit nearly 8 million homes in the region, 40,000 fans at the event – via Victory Plaza's big screens - and in over 30 additional markets in the U.S. It's a huge opportunity that will allow first time listeners a chance to hear their raucous country styling including the aforementioned track "Fine Wine" which attracted producers to the band.

A new EP, video, significant pre-promotion via Big D NYE and a Monster Energy endorsement deal means that The New Black 7 will now become married to the road as February 2015 sees the band starting a Midwest and Southern tour finishing in New Orleans before plotting runs to the West and East and all points between. With a healthy dose of work ethic, many hours in the studio while maintaining a healthy concert schedule; the real work is about to begin for The New Black 7…….."God Willin' And The Creek Don't Rise".

The New Black 7:
NB7 EPK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFdXOh3vW6s
Video: "Fine Wine" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1T0BJGtYgs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNewBlack7
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheNewBlack7

"God Willin' And The Creek Don't Rise":
Itunes: https://itun.es/us/x4_F4
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00QM9CN9O/ref=dm_aw_dp_sp_bb_sfa
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/album/The_New_Black_7_God_Willin_and_the_Creek_Don_t_Ris?id=Bodg7ulhxtahmlzkjdqyrec7chy&hl=en

Monster Energy
http://www.monsterenergy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MonsterEnergyMusic

Big D NYE:
www.bigdnye.com

###

Hip Hop Artist QUE QNA Releases New Single Don't Hurt Me From His Highly Anticipated Release Love Of The Game Due 2-2-2015

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179838

Hip Hop Artist QUE QNA Releases New Single DON'T HURT ME From the Highly Anticipated release LOVE OF THE GAME Due 2-2-2015

Dateline: L.A.

Global Hip Hop phenom in the making QUE QNA has released a new single DON'T HURT ME worldwide that is receiving rave reviews, airplay & video play worldwide. The NY born, Texas & Vegas based artist is turning heads for his lyrical ability & substance, bold style & charismatic performances. The DON'T HURT ME track, produced by acclaimed European producers SMITH MUSIX, is being played on radio stations, by club DJs & major online sites. The video was shot in Austin Texas while the artist was performing in the Lone Star state.

QUE QNE describes what the song's all about "'Don't Hurt Me' in a nutshell was a futuristic vision of my life being played out in my mind with a girl I just met, and weighing the pros and cons of the rare chance it actually happens with a boastful, sexual and comedic twist." Further explaining what sets him apart in today's marketplace & what he's all about "I think what sets me apart is my ability to go far right then far left musically, and it still have a genuine feel, being as though I where so many different hats in real life, i try to convey that in my music. Having a wide range as far creating music, I think, is one of the most difficult things for most artist. People tend to put artist in categories and expect only that style from you and are disappointed if they don't get that particular sound, but being able to fit in multiple categories or creating a new category gives me the ability to create what I feel without fear of being held to one style."

Taken from his forthcoming EP release "LOVE OF THE GAME" to be released worldwide on 2-2-2 015 (February 2) on the ATTAIN label, through INDIEPOWER & INGROOVES. INDIEPOWER is spearheading a global campaign to bring QUE QNA to the industry & music lovers everywhere. With a lot to say, the articulate 'Q' has appearances booked on an array of Radio & TV shows, many of which will include spontaneous live performances. INDIEPOWER CEO & industry leader JAY WARSINSKE has assembled a great team to build on Film / TV / Games / Commercials, International Markets (including Europe, Australia, Japan, Canada & Latin America), & Publishing areas (aligning with HARMONIOUS MUSIC through MADELEINE SMITH – credits include running Publishing for DR.DRE, 2PAC, EAZY-E, BONE THUGS, ICE CUBE among many). Tours being booked & appearances at industry hotspots SXSW, IES : INDIE ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT in L.A. in August, WARPED TOUR, BET AWARDS, Spring Break concerts, Summer Tour stops & much more to be announced.

"To have the powerhouses INDIEPOWER, INGROOVES & MADELINE SMITH MUSIC on my side is honestly flattering", states QUE, "knowing how long all 3 have been in the game and there over all knowledge of business and there track records speak for themselves - so being a new artist supported by these guys is very flattering and really strengthens belief in myself and my team at Attain Media Group that we're going in the right direction!"

"Having been a part of breaking iconic artists since the mid-70's & since Hip Hop was born, "says INDIEPOWER & IES Founder JAY WARSINSKE, "you get a instinctual sense on who's the 'Real Deal' and have the talent & mindset to have a chance in this incredibly demanding & complex entertainment business - & QUE has that 'It' factor! Seeing him grow & build in the world's expanding markets & opportunities will be a lot of fun!"

QUE QNA is available for Phone Interviews for Talk Shows, Radio Programs, Online TV Shows, Media - Email Interviews for blogs & journalists.
Contact: INDIEPOWER: 818-505-1836 info@IndiePower.com

Indie Act Automatik Eden Garner Rave Reviews For Both Ep And Video With Their New Release "Gold To Straw"

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179836

Produced by Sean Beavan (NIN, Gwen Stefani), Automatik Eden Follow-up Their Self-titled CD with a Strong New Video and Five Song EP

Los Angeles, CA – One doesn't have to work in the music business to know how competitive and difficult it can be navigating the constant flux of an industry that is ever-changing.

Many musicians are looking for a way to carve a path into a trade that is relentless. Of course it only makes sense that the best way to gain notoriety is to have the necessary talent to do so. Fortunately Cela Scott and David Crocco of Automatik Eden possess that rare talent.

Add to this mix the creative abilities of a top-notch producer such as Sean Beavan and you have a sensation waiting to happen!

Cela and David also have strong credentials. Cela (composer, vocalist, guitar) attended the esteemed University of Southern California's BFA Acting program and landed a spot in the coveted conservatory school.

Her acting and singing career has taken her to many a featured role including a principal part in the latest pilot for the Star Trek series, Star Trek: Renegades. It should also be noted that AE's captivating tune, "Captain of My Soul" is the title track for the project.

Besides being a gifted instrumentalist and song-writer, David (vocals, guitar, bass, drums) has also worked behind the scenes…his post-production engineering skills have been utilized by many a music icon including the likes of Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Nickelback and System Of A Down.

Whilst listening to the beautiful lyricism of "Gold to Straw" one might be tempted to make comparisons to other impressive female performers – a little Chrissie Hynde mixed with a touch of Lana Del Rey – but make no mistake, Automatik Eden's music is distinctly their own. Just ask the well-known Los Angeles music magazine, Music Connection.

The journal stated: "In the dreamy, eerie outing, mixed by Sean Beavan (NIN), you can practically hear the song in a David Fincher soundtrack. AE seem to have the potential to exceed their influences."

The accompanying video for "Gold To Straw" is also considered somewhat of a work of art. Filmed by acclaimed director, Christopher Jelley ("La Nature Morte d'Un Flic"), the sensual and dreamy atmosphere is a throwback to the golden era of European film directors such as Bertolucci, De Sica and Fassbinder.

Cela and David sum things up well, by saying: "The common thread to the artists we love is that they found a way to be original and approach their music more as an art form than a formula. That is our tactic." states David. Cela adds, "The music and musicians we admire had a vision and expressed a way of life…a certain freedom on a higher level."

The two strive to keep an open dialogue with their audience. They make a sincere effort not only to provoke and test, but to inspire. With their strong musical foundation and great perspective, success for Automatik Eden can only be just around the corner.

Their CD is available on iTunes. Official web site: www.automatikeden.com
For more info contact:

Daniel Del Campos
Pop Culture Image
P.O. Box 873
Venice, CA 90291
popcultureimage@gmail.com